Time-controlled mechanism.



M. L. DOUGHTY & J. W. FERGUSON.

TIME comnouso mec'mms'm.., APPLICATION FILED MAY 5. I916.

Patented Jan. 1, 1918.

2 SHEETS-SHEET new Lfib Z12} 11 Wiryason M. L. DOUG'HTY & J LW. FERGUSON.

TIME CONTROLLED MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED IAY5. ms.

Patented Ja1 1.1,'l9l8.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2 W71; W K

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MARCUS L. DOUGHTY AND J OHN W. FERGUSON, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS.

TIME-CONTROLLED MECHANISM.

Specification 0: Letters Patent.

Patented Jan. 1, 1918.

Application filed May 5, 1916. Serial No. 95,685.

the operation of a device after the lapse of a predetermined interval of time.

In the use of many machines it is desirable to control the operation at a predetermined time, or after a certain interval of time, and in some systems it is necessary that a signal should be given at a certain hour. For instance, it frequently happens that a single attendant is, in charge of the operation of several washing machines, and one of his duties is, after the clothes have been sufficiently washed, to open the outlet valve of the tank of each machine and let the water run out preparatory to filling the tank with clean water to receive another supply of articles. As the attendant cannot give his entire attention to each machine, it is impractical for him to open the valve of each machine at the exact time the articles therein have been sutliciently washed, and

hence the charge of articles in each machine necessarily remains therein longer than is necessary, and the capacity of the machine is therefore not fully available, and, further, the time of the attendant is wasted while he waits for the discharge of the water from the tank of each machine after he has opened the outlet valve thereof.

The primary object of our invention is to provide mechanism for automatically controlling the operation of a machine, or for automatically operating a signal, at a predetermined time, or after the lapse of a definite interval of time.

A further object of our invention is to provide an improved electrically-actuated system for effecting a given operation at a given time.

A still further object of our invention is to provide a time-controlled mechanism for automatically opening the outlet valve of a washing machine after the articles therein have been subjected to the desired washing action.

Our invention will be more fully disclosed hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same is illustrated as embodied in a convenient and practical form, and in which Figure 1 is a somewhat diagrammatic view illustrating our invention as applied to the outlet valves of a plurality of washing machines;

Figs. 2 and 3 are detail views of the tripping device for permitting the valve to open;

Fig. 4 is a view showing a modified mechanical means for opening the valve; and

Fig. 5 is an elevational view of the means shown in Fig. 3.

Similar reference characters are used to designate similar parts in the several figures of the drawings.

Reference letter A desi ates a master clock for making a lurahty of electrical contacts at predetermined intervals of time, as, for instance, by providing fixed contacts spaced five minutes apart around the dial with which successivel engages the minute hand a of the clock. he fixed contacts in the master clock are each separately connected with corresponding fixed contacts on a plurality of secondary circuit controllers connected by a lead 0 with the minute ban .a of the master clock, and by the lead a with electrically actuated devices D and D adjacent the respective machines which are to be controlled. Each of these devices comprises a magnet and an armature, the o posite terminal of the magnet winding om that with which the lead 0' is connected being connected by a lead (1 with a fixed contact (1. Located adjacent the fixed contact d is another fixed contact (i which is connected by a lead d with the movable contact I) of the secondary controller B. The electrical connections and mechanism connected with each of the secondary controllers are the same, and hence a description of those controlled by one of the secondary controllers will be suflicient.

A lead 6 is electrically connected with each of the branch leads cl extending from the devices D and l) and leads to a master signal E, such for instance, as a bell. The circuit through the master signal is continued through the lead 6 to a fixed contact 0 located adjacent another fixed contact 0 connected to the conductor 0 which in turn leads to the source of electricity C. Located adjacent the fixed contact 0 is a fixed contact f connected by a lead f with a secondary signal, such, for instance, as a light F located adjacent the particular machine the operation of which is controlled by the secondary clock. The circuit through the secondary signal F is completed through the lead 7 to the lead C and thence to the source of electricity C.

Located adjacent the armature of the device D is a tripping device comprising a plunger G located in a casing G and having a trigger 9 adapted, upon rotation of the plunger, to engage within a notch in the casing, and when in such position being in the path of a hammer d carried by the armature of the device D. Located within the casing G, beneath the plunger G, is a spring G. A rod g is connected with the. plunger G, and is pivotally connected with a lever H which carries contacts H and H insulated from each other, the forward contact serving when the plunger is in the depressed position shown in Fig. 1 to electrically connect the fixed contacts (1 and 6Z and the latter contact H serving when the plunger is released and the lever H oscillated to con nect electrically the fixed contacts 0 f and 0 The plunger G is mechanically connected with the mechanism the operation of which is to be controlled, such, for instance, as the outlet valve P of the tank M of a washing machine. In the embodiment of our invention shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the rod 9 is connected by a chain is with a lever K, fulcrumed upon a bracket L projecting from the casing L of the outlet valve. The lever K is provided with a lug K, against which rests the upper endof the link n, through a slot in which the end of the lever K extends. This link is pivotally connected with a detent N, fulcrumed at n upon the valve casin L. This detentin the position thereo shown in Fig. 1-overlies the end of a hand lever O, fulcrumed at 0 upon the bracket L. The end of the lever O oppo site to the handle is pivotally connected by a rod p with the valve P. A spring 0 is interposed between the lever O and a fixed support, such, for instance. as the bracket L, the tension of which tends to oscillate the lever in the direction to open the valve.

The operation of the embodiment of our invention above described is as follows: The movable contact 6 of the secondary controller B is moved into engagement with a fixed contact corresponding with a fixed contact on the master clock A, which will be engaged by the minute hand a of the master clock after the lapse of the desired interval of time. Assuming that it is desired that the valve of the washing machine should be opened after ten minutes, the movable contact b is moved into engagement with the fixed contact 6, and hence when the minute hand of the master clock engages the fixed contact 6 the following circuit will be closed: from the source of electricity C through the lead 0, minute hand a, fixed contact 6 in the master clock to the fixed contact 6 on the secondary, thence through movable contact Z), lead 65 fixed contact (i contact H, fixed contact d lead d, the winding of the device D, lead 0, back to the source of electricity C. The said circuit energizes the coil of the device D so that the armature is attracted and the hammer (Z disengages the trigger g from its set position, thereby permitting the spring G2 to elevate the plunger and oscillate the. lever H so as to break the circuit between the fixed contacts (Z and d and electrically connect the three contacts 0 f and 0 through the contact H Cir cuits are then closed to the master signal E, and also to the secondary signal F of the particular secondary clock B, such circuits being as follows: from the source of electricity C to lead 0, to fixed contact 0 movable contact H fixed contact 0 lead 6, signal E, lead 6, movable contact I) and fixed contact 6 of the secondary controller to fixed contact 6 and movable contact a of the master clock, back to the source of electricity C, thereby operatin the master signal E. The secondary signa F is energized as follows: C, lead 0", lead F, F, lead f, fixed contact, f movable contact H fixed contact 0 lead 0, back to C. It will be observed that the master signal is only actuated as long as the movable contact a of the master clock is in engagement with the fixed contact through which the circuit has been closed, while the circuit through the secondary signal remains closed, and the signal continues to be actuated until the operator sets the device by forcing downwardly the plunger G and thereby oscillating the lever H to break the circuit through the contacts 0 and f The release of the plunger G also effects the mechanical operation desired, as, for instance, opening the valve P, inasmuch as the upward movement of the plunger G oscillates the lever K so that the shoulder K swings from under the link n, allowing detentN to be swung out of engagement with the end of the lever O by reason of the upward pressure upon the end of such hand lever, due to the tension of the spring 0. The lever is consequently oscillated so as to elevate the valve P from its seat Q through the medium of the rod The water is thereby discharged from the tank of the washing machine M.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that when the predetermined interval of time has elapsed the valve is opened, and simultaneously therewith a master signal is given to call attention of the attendant to the fact that one of the machines has been operated, the particular machine which has been operated being designated by the secondary signal F located at such machine. After the water has been discharged from the tank of the machine the attendant depresses the plunger G, and engages the trigger 9 thereof with its retaining notch so as to be in position to be again tripped by the hammer d of the device D. The hand lever O is oscillated against the tension of the spring 0 so as to seat the valve, and the detent N is swung into position to overlie the end of the lever, and to be held in such position through engagement of the link n with the shoulder is on the lever K. After fresh water and suds have been supplied to the machine, and a new batch of clothes inserted therein, the movable contact of the secondary B is engaged with a fixed contact corresponding with the fixed contact on the master clock located in position to be engaged by the movable contact a of the master clock after the lapse of the predetermined interval of time.

The operation abovedescribed with reference to the secondary B occurs at each of the plurality of secondary controllers when the master clock closes the predetermined circuits through them.=, In this manner a plurality of machines, or devices, may be controlled by a single master clock so as to be individually automatically operated at any desired time, or after the lapse of any predetermined intervals. It will be observed that when a circuit is closed through any of the secondaries the master signal will be operated, but only the particular secondary signal of the machine of which the operation is controlled.

In Figs. 3 and l we have shown a weight as the means for mechanically opening the valve, or effecting the desired mechanical operation in lieu of a spring, as in the embodiment of our invention above described. In Figs. 3 and 4 P designates the valve which is connected to a rod 1) connected by a chain, or other flexible connection R, with a weight R, the chain passing over a sheave r fixed upon a suitably supported shaft 7". Fixed to this shaft is a disk S, having a notch s in its periphery. A trigger t engages the notch, such trigger projecting from a lever T, one end of which is connected to the chain is of the plunger mechanism shown in Figs. 1 and 2. The valve is closed by a downward push on the handle 12, thereby elevating the weight and moving the chain R relatively to the sheave 1', thus rotating the latter and with it the disk S until the notch therein is engaged by the trigger t. When the circuit I is closed through the secondary, so as to release the plunger in the manner above described in rately and automatically to control. at predetermined intervals the operations of a plurality of various devices.

We claim 1. The combination with a pluralit of machines, of an operating part contro ling each of said machines and adapted for selective movement into alternate positions, means for automatically and independently moving each of said operating parts into a selected position at any predetermined time, an individual signal for each of said machines, means for operating said signal upon movement of said operating part into said position, a master signal, and means for operating said master signal upon operation of an of said individual signals.

2. The combination with a plurality of machines, of an operating part controlling each of said machines and adapted for selective movement into alternate positions, means for automatically and independently moving each of said operating parts into a selected position at any predetermined time, a signal light for each of said machines, an electric circuit, means for closing said circuit through said light while said operating part is in said selected position, a master signal, and means for closing said circuit through said master signal upon operation of any of said signal lights.

3.. The combination with a plurality of washing machines, of an outlet valve for each of said machines, means for automatically and independently moving each of said valves into a selected position at any predetermined time an individual signal at each of said machines, means for operating said signal when the valve of said machine is moved to said selected position, a master signal, and means for operating said master signal upon operation of any of said individual signals.

4. The combination with a plurality of washin machines, of an outlet valve for each 0' said machines, means for automatically and independently moving each of said valves into a selected position at a predetermined time, a signal light at each of said machines, means for operating said light while said valve is in said selected position, a signal bell, and means for ringing said hell for a predetermined length of time upon operation of any of said signal lights.

5. In a time-controlled apparatus, the combination of a plurality of machines, a source of current, means electrically connected with said source for automatically and independently controlling the operation of each of said machines at a predetermined time, a master signal, means for connecting said master signal in series with said controlling means, a secondary signal at each of said machines, and means for connecting said secondary signal with said source in naanvso parallel with said controlling means upon operation of said machine.

6. In combination with a plurality of washing machines, an outlet valve for each of said machines, a source of current, means electrically connected with said source for automatically and independently moving each of said valves to a selected position at a predetermined time, a master signal,

means for connecting said master signal in series with said valve-movin means, a secondary signal at each of sai machines, and means for connecting said secondary signal with said source in parallel with said valvemoving means upon movement of said valve' to said selected position.

In testimony whereof, We

our names.

MARCUS L. DOUGHTY.

JOHN W. FERGUSON.

have subscribed 

